Can I eat rice during pregnancy?

Rice is the world’s favorite grain. It is the most widely consumed grain in the world, and is the staple food for a large section of the population. Needless to say, it would be pretty disconcerting indeed if you belong to one of those populations and find out that rice is completely prohibited during pregnancy. In this article, we have looked at the viability of eating rice during those nine months; whether you can safely eat it, and, if yes, how much you should be eating.

Yes, in moderation

Like everything else, rice is something that should be consumed in moderation. It also depends a lot on the diet that you have followed, the region you live in, and your cultural specifications. For instance, if you belong to the section of the population that has subsisted mainly on rice for a very long time, and that has been your diet as well all your life, is will not be a very good idea to do away with rice altogether or even cut down on your intake drastically. It is always best to eat anything in moderation during pregnancy, and that includes rice.

Multiple nutrients

Rice contains a wide range of nutrients that you need during your pregnancy to stay healthy and ensure that the baby grows without any trouble. There are ample amounts of vitamin D, thiamine, calcium, iron, riboflavin, and fiber in rice. Vitamin D boosts your immune system, and iron will ensure that your blood circulation remains in top form all through your pregnancy. Besides, these will also ensure that your baby grows strong bones and a perfectly functioning circulatory system. It is common for pregnant women to become weaker in the bones, which can lead to severe pains and health complications. The calcium content in rice will provide you with the necessary strength.

Eases constipation

Rice is very high in fiber and water content, and that alone should propel you to make a grab for it. Every pregnant woman is familiar with digestive issues that come as part and parcel of pregnancy. It is important that you get as much fiber and water in your system as possible during this time, because they help in easing symptoms of constipation and other digestive issues. Rice is a great option in such a situation, and will certainly help in easing the discomfort that is caused by digestive problems.

Side effects

There are some side effects to eating too much rice. For instance, it contains a lot of carbohydrates, which will make you put on some extra pounds. While a little is desirable in pregnancy, you must not become overweight. Besides, if eaten in extreme amounts, the sugar content in rice might lead to gestational diabetes, which is a rare but very dangerous disorder that occurs only during pregnancy.

There is nothing to stop you from eating some amounts of rice each day during your pregnancy, especially if you have been on a diet that includes rice as a staple food. All you need to ensure is that you eat it in moderation. The best thing to do of course is to consult your doctor first, so that you know for certain that you can eat rice regularly, and the amount that is safe for you to ingest.